Guadalupe River Park Conservancy

Nonprofit Issues:

Address:

Mission:

Guadalupe River Park Conservancy provide community leadership for the development and active use of San Jose’s Central Park through education, advocacy and stewardship.

Results:

Highlights from 2008:
• Led over 3,000 K-5 students, mostly from nature deficient, low-income areas, on environmental education field trips.
• Coordinated over 10,000 volunteer hours in the Visitor & Education Center, Heritage Rose Garden, Historic Orchard, and Courtyard Garden.
• Received certification as a Green Business.
• Opened the first community garden in California to use recycled water.
• Coordinated Pumpkins in the Park, which drew over 10,000 people.

Target demographics:

Direct beneficiaries per year:

25,000

Geographic areas served:

South Bay

Programs:

Park Development:
The Friends are currently managing a contract ($75,000) for the City of San Jose to develop Design Guidelines and an Implementation Strategy for further development in Guadalupe Gardens. This process includes engaging a landscape architecture firm, conducting community meetings to gather input, and developing a report that will become an amendment to the approved master plan.
A second capitol project is the design and construction of a one-acre community garden, the first in California to be irrigated with recycled water. This garden will be open to all residents of San Jose who wish to rent a plot to grow vegetables, but will probably be used chiefly by residents of downtown highrises and other neighbors of the park.
Education & Outreach:
Friends of GRPG offers educational programs for adults and children in Santa Clara County, including interpretive tours of the River Park & Gardens and classes on composting, gardening, river ecology and related topics. Field trips, with curriculum linked to the California State Educational Standards, are available for school groups Pre-K through 12th grade. A full calendar of after-school programs for children address many subject areas and are available at nominal cost. New programs include outdoor exercise and yoga classes taught by professional instructors and using the park as a "gym".
The newest project, funded by a grant from Intel, is development of a Geocaching program funded by a grant from Intel. Geocaching can best be described as a high-tech treasure hunt. Participants use hand-held GPS units to find hidden caches in the park. Caches can be designed to educate and inform. Geocaching has the added benefit of getting participants out into the park for exercise and discovery.
Volunteer Management:
The Guadalupe River Park, and the San Jose Heritage Rose Garden, Historic Orchard, and Recycled Water Demonstration Garden in Guadalupe Gardens, are all maintained, in part, by volunteers coordinated by Friends of GRPG. Corporate and community work days are encouraged.The Friends recorded almost 10,000 volunteer hours donated to the park in the past year.

How likely are you to donate to this group again?

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

My first experience at Guadalupe River Park was walking the trails through the park with some friends. I was delighted by the huge rose garden and being a rose lover, decided to volunteer. I've done this for a few years now and I find the volunteers and staff are so friendly and welcoming - a great group of folks. I've also biked the trails which keep improving. A true gem in the middle of a large city!

Would you recommend this group to a friend?

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

The Guadalupe River Park is one of the most exciting things that I think is happening in downtown San Jose. It provides beautiful pathway for a walking/jogging/biking trail through the downtown area. It is the perfect spot for community festivals (we've participated in several) and gives the community a nice place to get some exercise and fresh air. Recent 'children at play' sculptures add to other interesting pieces of public art in the park including a pond of rocks w/names showing our diverse heritage, and tile work. It also includes athletic areas, a heritage orchard and rose garden (to preserve some of our history) and even community vegetable gardens, etc. It is a combination of MANY exciting things for many different people - truly a gem of the community. So glad the park is here and that it is getting better and better for more for community use. Thumbs-up for sure!!!

How much of an impact do you think this organization has?

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

I have volunteered at the Heritage Rose Garden, many GRPC events and served on the board of this wonderful organization. Run on a shoestring with amazing employees and volunteers, the Conservancy works hard to promote the park and its features to children, bike riders, walkers, gardeners, exercisers, students, and many others who enjoy this ribbon of green through the middle of San Jose. The Conservancy also works hard to promote completion of the park's master plan with the city, donors and volunteers.

Would you volunteer for this group again?

For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?

A lot

Did the organization use your time wisely?

Very Well

Would you recommend this group to a friend?

Definitely

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

2012

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1 previous review

Rating:
5 stars
January 21, 200901/21/2009

5 people found this review helpful

For such a small organization, the Friends really put on a big show - the classes and summer camps offer great lessons to children about nature, the adult lectures are useful and inspiring, and Spring in Guadalupe Gardens and Pumpkins in the Park events get the public into the park and involved in fun activities. I've been involved with the Park for over ten years and step by step, GRPG is evolving into a great city center park for everyone.

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

the professionalism of the classes offered to both children and adults; the steps in completion of the master plans for the park; and the involvement of San Jose's most public minded citizens toward these ends.

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

be banging on every funding source I could to bring in the monies to complete and promote the park in its rightful place as San Jose's Great Central Park.

What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...

seeing the park develop over time and the joy of the staff in making that happen.

The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...

dedicated, professional, and so committed to making the event and park a great place to be.

If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...

create an endowment that would help fund more staff who could then go after grants and funding sources to complete construction of the gardens and expand the educational programs.

Ways to make it better...

more people got involved in using and promoting the park.

In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...

connecting to those residents of the Santa Clara Valley who can afford to donate larger sums than the committed core donors.

One thing I'd also say is that...

There are only four people who are paid small salaries and who fill big shoes in providing the programs and leadership that is keeping the Friends of GRPG moving forward. These four people deserve more.

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

My children have been participating in the GRPC Homeschooling classes for 6 months now. Every week I am amazed how the staff is able to educate, entertain, and enlighten so many children of different ages and backgrounds. My girls look forward to these classes and always have something new to tell me. I think it one of Silicon Valley's best kept secrets!

How much of an impact do you think this organization has?

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

I am a fortunate and blessed neighbor to the right of the conservancy, I get to see the bus loads of children as they exit the bus and ready themselves for an amazing experience in Guadalupe park. We are in the top 10 of the largest cities in the United States it is hard to believe but many children do not get to experience the outdoor world the economy is rough in this area for the many poor families in the area this will be these childrens closest experience to the outdoors. I for one am greatful and I salute and thank you all. I will close by saying that after work I take a walk through the park and I am left with wonder and joy just like the children. Norma~

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...

it is bringing beauty to an area.

The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...

friendly and helpful!

If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...

begin a river walk!!

Ways to make it better...

there were more tables and shade

In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...

money and more money

One thing I'd also say is that...

the folks work very hard and are dedicated to making San Jose a better place to live

How frequently have you been involved with the organization?

About every six months

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

2010-4-01

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1 previous review

Rating:
5 stars
January 17, 200901/17/2009

15 people found this review helpful

Guadalupe River Park and Gardens-
We have enjoyed attending events at the GRPG and have been amazed to learn how much the folks do with such a small staff! The organization should receive a pat on the back for the efficient use of resources.
Great management!

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

A small, but mighty organization, Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens is an example of how a small group of people can have major impacts. Apart from the fact that there are only three full time employees, this organization seeks to bring advocacy and awareness about issues surrounding the environment and public planning. Each year they host a number of events: Pumpkins in the Park brings young families out into the park for some autumn fun while inviting local organizations to provide information and activities about the river and local resources. In the Spring, garden enthusiasts and greenies alike come out for Spring in Guadalupe where they can recycle e-waste, learn about composting, or purchase garden related items all while enjoying this gem of a park along the river. If your under the age of 12, you can join the fun with some great educational programs or discover the importance of keeping our local watersheds clean at the annual Water Wizard Festival. Aspiring to become a green business, the staff and volunteers are taking steps to minimize their impact on the environment, even if it means biking to work everyday for the bike to work challenge - and as many may know this can be life threatening on the streets of San Jose. This organization just goes to show you that it's not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

their ability to make an impact on the lives of citizens while having a small and limited staff. They have learned how to do a lot with limited resources and are taking steps to improve their own awareness along with those of the local community.

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

put most of my efforts in the educational aspect, particularly childrens education.

What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...

the staff is very friendly and committed to the work which they do. They are honestly trying to make improvements and have heart while doing so. They do not feel fake.

The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...

diverse - there are many people from different backgrounds, experiences and interests. The organization doesn't just attract one type of person. The park itself has so many unique elements that you have people concerned with making the park more accessible for bikes, runners, children, groups...

If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...

change the face of San Jose. They would be able to work with other agencies to make the park more accessible and friendly to visitors. They would be able to hire more staff to run the education program, reach the public in more creative ways and have a larger overall impact.

Ways to make it better...

there was better access to the river for educational programs and more elements of the park that facilitated large group educational programs.

In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...

having to work with many other agencies and groups to manage the park - it makes it difficult to get things done.

One thing I'd also say is that...

this organization is small, but mighty!

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

Great programs - we especially liked the plane-spotting one. We still reference the sturdy portfolio of plane silhouettes. We also attended a very fun birthday party and walk that was staffed by the GRPG.

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

As a park interpreter, I have seen the in's and out's of 5 different organizations. I have to say that the Friends of Guadalupe River Park is one of the best organizations I have ever seen. The feeling of being family, friends, and that of having mutual support is overwhelming. Everyone in this group works hard to support everyone else, all while fulfilling their mission. I've had the gift of seeing, first-hand, their children's programs and I am impressed. These guys are on a shoe string budget and yet the quality of their educational programs is amazing. This strikes me as a fun place to attend classes and an even better place to work. Their volunteer coordinator is exception at making her people feel appreciated and well guided without losing that friendliness and caring. IF you are looking for someplace to begin your park experience, this is it. If you are looking for someplace to take your class, or send your kids after school for some extra guidance in the sciences and nature, this is definitely the place. I was so impressed I bought gift certificates so my nieces could attend the after school program or summer camp. It's a perfect blend of urban downtown and the wildness of the Guadalupe River. Don't miss out.

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

the excitement of the kids who are taking part in the programs and the enthusiastic response of the parents when the kids have lots of share about their experiences.

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

create a television show to put on PBS each week to help teach kids how to find nature in their own downtowns.

What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...

the way it feels like a family, personal, friendly, and welcoming. There are not stiff, stodgy, click-ish folks here.

The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...

the warmest, funniest, and friendliest folks.

If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...

bring kids in for all over the county, hire more teachers and support staff and offer even more of these exceptional programs to the folks who cannot afford to get out the the site. The do a great job of helping title one schools, but imagine what they could do if they had more money.

Ways to make it better...

some outside donors would step in and fund a couple of paid positions for extra helpers. Imagine what they could do if they had more staff!

In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...

donors who are being hit hard by the economy and can't give as much as they would like.

One thing I'd also say is that...

it's nice to see a group that genuinely and sincerely is doing something to make the down town area a better place. These folks are environmentally friendly and it shows in everything they do. They don't just talk it,the live it. It's nice to see the real deal.